Community Update: February 2025
Jones And Co. in London—Sharing What We Do Best
Last week, we spent three days in London doing something we love—helping other independent opticians elevate their service and eyewear styling expertise.
Jess and Kathryn kicked things off with a full-day staff training workshop for over 40 dispensing opticians, practice owners, and optical assistants. They shared the approach that makes Jones And Co. stand out—how we guide clients through styling consultations, introduce them to eyewear they wouldn’t have considered, and create a seamless, personal experience that makes finding new glasses exciting. It was a hands-on, high-energy day designed to send everyone home feeling re-enthused, re-energised, and ready to wow their clients.
Then, over the next two days, Conor led an event for 40 independent practice owners at the top of the Gherkin, one of London’s most iconic buildings. The focus? Elevating the experience for clients—bringing in more exciting eyewear, making the process of choosing glasses effortless and enjoyable, and ensuring every client walks away with something they love.
We love doing this kind of work. Letting others look over our shoulder keeps us on our toes, helps us refine what we do, and ultimately makes Jones And Co. even better. But no matter where we are—whether it’s on stage in London or right here in the practice—our focus is always the same: delivering the best eyewear experience possible for the people who trust us with their vision.
And if other opticians want to learn from us? That just proves we’re doing something right.
The Wait is Over: Rapp Has Arrived
If you’ve ever felt like finding glasses that truly stand out is impossible, we have some exciting news. The latest Rapp collection has just arrived at Jones And Co., and it’s the largest we’ve ever had.
Rapp is one of the most exclusive eyewear collections in the world. Every frame is individually handmade in their Toronto workshop, with bold acetate fronts, contrasting raw titanium sides, and their signature matte finishes. These aren’t just glasses—they’re a statement.
We ordered these frames back in September at Silmo, the world’s largest eyewear exhibition. Silmo is where the biggest names in the industry gather to showcase their latest designs, but the Rapp stand always feels special. Understated and tucked away, it’s where those in the know go to find something truly extraordinary. Four months later, the pieces we chose are finally here, and they were absolutely worth the wait.
Our relationship with the Rapp family is something we’re incredibly proud of. When we met Julia Rapp at Silmo, she shared some unforgettable words: “You’ve single-handedly changed the face of independent eyewear in the UK.”
Now, we’re inviting you to see these one-of-a-kind frames for yourself. If you’re ready to find glasses that feel as unique as you are, call, email or click the link to book an appointment. We’d love to help you discover the perfect Rapp frame.
Our Gareth: Style Icon
It’s not every day that a client returns to us after six years, but when they do, it’s always a story worth sharing. David, a computer software consultant, first came to Jones And Co. in 2018. Fast forward to December 2024, and he’s back—with a little help from our very own Gareth, who unintentionally became the inspiration behind his latest eyewear choice.
David spotted Gareth rocking his Sabine frame and was instantly captivated by its bold design. While that particular frame is no longer in production, we managed to pull a few strings and source the very last one in existence just for him.
The story didn’t end there. Inspired by their shared appreciation for eyewear with character, we decided to have some fun with a social media poll: “Who wore it best?” The results? David edged ahead, but not without a lot of love for Gareth too—most clients couldn’t resist saying they both looked fantastic.
If you haven’t been to see us for a long time, we’d love to welcome you back and help you find your perfect frame. Whether you’re after something timeless or a little more daring, our team is here to make sure your eyewear feels just right.
It’s moments like this that remind us how much fun eyewear can be, and how a great frame can inspire conversation, connection, and a little healthy competition.
Eric Morecambe’s Iconic Glasses Fetch £20,000 at Auction
Eric Morecambe’s glasses weren’t just an accessory—they were part of the man himself. Central to his charm and unmistakable stage presence, they became a symbol of his comedic genius and his place in British cultural history. Few objects manage to define a personality so perfectly, but Morecambe’s glasses did just that.
Recently sold for an astonishing £20,000 at auction, the frames are a reminder of how something as simple as a pair of glasses can carry enormous meaning, capturing the essence of a person and their legacy.
It’s a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved comedians—and proof that eyewear when done right, can truly be unforgettable.
